Capito, McKinley, Jenkins and Mooney Represent Best Future for State’s Coal Jobs

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association is endorsing current 2nd District Rep. Shelley Capito in the race for the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Sen. Jay Rockefeller. The Association is also endorsing Rep. David McKinley for re-election in the 1st District, Alex Mooney for the 2nd District and State Senator Evan Jenkins for the 3rd District congressional races in the upcoming November general elections.

These endorsements reflect the stark difference between the Democrat and Republican energy initiatives being advanced in Washington – a difference measured in miles. We believe the Republican leadership in Washington has focused on preserving our coal industry and the energy security it provides, as represented by Capito, McKinley, Jenkins and Mooney, is more consistent with a wise energy plan for our nation.

Miners, community members and others connected with the state's coal mining industry will gather at Tamarack in Beckley on Thursday, October 2^nd, for the 2014 Miners' Celebration, a gala reception and dinner to celebrate the past, present and future of West Virginia's coal mining enterprise.  According to organizers, the purpose of the annual event is to recognize those who play a role in the success of the state's mining enterprise.

A Fall Gathering will be held in Morgantown on October 30^th – 31^st at the Waterfront Hotel, beginning with a West Virginians for Coal (our PAC) reception on Thursday evening, October 30^th.  For those staying over, November 1^st will be Energy Industry Appreciation Day at the WVU v. TCU football game with special pricing for all those who work in the energy industries. Registration information was sent out a couple weeks ago and again yesterday, if you did not receive please contact Sandi at sdavison@wvcoal.com

A Fall Gathering will be held in Morgantown on October 30^th – 31^st at the Waterfront Hotel, beginning with a West Virginians for Coal (our PAC) reception on Thursday evening, October 30^th.  For those staying over, November 1^st will be Energy Industry Appreciation Day at the WVU v. TCU football game with special pricing for all those who work in the energy industries. Registration information was sent out a couple weeks ago and again yesterday, if you did not receive please contact Sandi at sdavison@wvcoal.com

According to the latest information from the U.S. Energy Information Agency, coal production in the United States was up 2/10th of one percent for the week ending September 20^th, compared to the same week last year, although it remains off by 1.8 percent year over year.  Production for the week stood at 18.8 million tons compared to 18.78 million tons in 2013.

As noted, coal production for the 52 weeks ending September 20^th was also off by 1.8 percent, from 992 million tons in 2013 to just 974 million tons this year.  This reduced production was reflected in the number of rail cars loaded, which fell by 1.3% year over year, from 6 million cars loaded in 2013 to 5.9 million cars in 2014.